Swan Song from Theatre, Rody Gilkeson
I have come to the end of my theatrical journey, as far as being on the creative side of the stage.
Will I continue to love theatre?
Absolutely. It has been a part of my life since 1978, when I did my first musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, at the Guthsville Playhouse.
I went on to play so many wonderful roles at every theater in the Lehigh Valley, as well as a number in Glendale, California.
When I returned from California, I was offered the chance to direct a show at The Pennsylvania Playhouse in 1993. It was "Godspell", a show that I had done in 1981 at the Playhouse.
I was so lucky to have played Jesus twice in my acting career. I love "Godspell", so I jumped at the chance, and it was the beginning of my directing path to the future.
The directorship of "Godspell" led to so many fantastic opportunities, including becoming the director for Notre Dame High School, where I was so proud to work for 17 years. I was also able to act as Producer/Director of the Notre Dame Summer Theater.
Along with my wife Elizabeth, we worked together on some amazing shows including "My Fair Lady", "Evita", "Kiss Me Kate", "Jekyll & Hyde", and the Lehigh Valley's only production of "Les Miserables".
I drifted away from directing after Covid, which had caused everyone in the theatre to redirect their efforts. I had reevaluated everything and decided that I should walk away.
But then I was approached by Ara Barlieb of Crowded Kitchen Players with an interesting play entitled a "Spectre of Death" which dealt with a former Death Metal band making a comeback. It called to me, not only since it was dealing with rock music but also, it seemed to be a perfect final project.
It was a joy to work on, and I was thoroughly happy to say goodbye to the theatre community upon our closing in September of 2024.
Munopco,the oldest theater company in the area suffered during the Covid years. I have worked for them as an actor and, even more importantly, as a director.
They are working very hard to bring quality productions back to the stage, and they asked me if I would be interested in coming back to help by directing "Godspell" at The Between the Lines Studio Theater beginning on September 11th.
I am thrilled to say my directing career has come full circle. My first directorial effort and now my farewell effort.
It's been an amazing ride.
Thank you, theatre community, for allowing me to be a part of your lives.
